HS 170211 Lactose and lactose syrup

Quick Answer: Lactose and lactose syrup imported under HS 170211 enters the UK at 11.00 GBP per 100 kg, the EU at 14.00 EUR per 100 kg, and the US with a range of rates including Free for certain trade agreements and 50% or 6.4% under the MFN rate. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers lactose, also known as milk sugar, and syrups derived from lactose. These products are primarily used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Importers should consult specific trade agreements and the latest tariff schedules for precise duty calculations, as rates can vary significantly based on origin and preferential treatment. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1702110000 11.00 GBP / 100 kg — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1702110000 14.00 EUR / 100 kg — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
1702110000 6.4% Free (17 programs) ["kg","kg cmsc"]

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 1702.11?

Imports of Lactose and lactose syrup may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How Has Trade Volume Developed?

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 170211 cover?

This subheading covers lactose and lactose syrup, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Specifically, it includes lactose, a disaccharide sugar derived from milk, and lactose syrup, which is a concentrated aqueous solution of lactose. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to lactose in its pure form or as a syrup, typically used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, with a minimum purity of 95% by weight for lactose.

What falls outside HS 170211?

The following products are excluded from HS 170211: milk powders, whey, and other milk products, even if they contain lactose. Products classified under HS 170211 must be primarily lactose or lactose syrup. For instance, sweetened condensed milk, which is milk with added sugar, would be classified elsewhere. Similarly, whey protein concentrates or isolates, which are processed to remove lactose, are not covered by this subheading and are typically classified under HS 0404.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 170211?

A common error is misclassifying lactose-containing products that are not primarily lactose or lactose syrup. For example, infant formula, which contains lactose as a component but is a complex mixture of nutrients, is classified under HS 1901. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid errors. The purity and primary nature of the product are key determining factors.

How should importers classify products under HS 170211?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 170211 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the explanatory notes for Chapter 17. Verification of the product's purity (e.g., lactose content exceeding 95% by weight) and confirmation that it is not a more specific product under another heading is essential for accurate classification.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 170211?

A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of pharmaceutical-grade lactose, declared at a customs value of $3,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is $3,500 USD × 0.05 = $175.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 170211.0000.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 170211?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 170211, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating lactose from Canada or Mexico can be imported duty-free. For preferential treatment, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically required. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or duty-free entry for originating products from certain developing countries, often requiring a GSP Form A.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 170230 HS 170290 HS 170250 HS 170220 HS 170260 HS 170240

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 170211 (Lactose and lactose syrup) into the UK, EU, and US?

Import duty rates for HS code 170211 vary by destination. For the UK, the standard rate is 11.00 GBP per 100 kg. In the EU, the standard rate is 14.00 EUR per 100 kg. For the US, the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 5.0% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the most current and applicable rates, as these can change and may be subject to specific trade agreements or quotas.

How is the import duty for lactose (HS 170211) calculated in the US, and can you provide an example?

In the US, the duty for HS 170211 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis. The Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 5.0%. For example, if you import 1,000 kg of lactose with a declared value of $2,500 USD, the import duty would be calculated as follows: Duty = Value × Duty Rate = $2,500 USD × 5.0% = $125 USD. Always verify the declared value and the applicable duty rate with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or a licensed customs broker.

What are the key classification criteria to ensure lactose and lactose syrup are correctly classified under HS 170211?

HS code 170211 specifically covers 'Lactose and lactose syrup'. Lactose is a disaccharide sugar derived from milk, commonly known as milk sugar. Lactose syrup is a concentrated aqueous solution of lactose. The key criterion for classification is that the product must be primarily derived from milk and consist of lactose. Products that are significantly modified, blended with other ingredients, or have undergone substantial processing beyond the extraction and concentration of lactose may fall under different HS codes. Always refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System for detailed guidance.

Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for lactose and lactose syrup (HS 170211) into the UK or EU, and what documentation is needed?

The UK and EU have various trade agreements that can provide preferential duty rates. For example, the UK has agreements with countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), and the US (US) which may offer reduced or zero duties under specific conditions. The EU has similar agreements with countries such as Canada (CA), Japan (JP), and Mercosur countries. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a proof of origin, such as a EUR.1 movement certificate or a declaration of origin completed by the exporter, depending on the specific agreement and the value of the goods. Always check the latest tariff information for the specific trade agreement and country of origin.

Are there specific documentation requirements beyond the commercial invoice and bill of lading for importing lactose and lactose syrup (HS 170211) into the United States?

When importing lactose and lactose syrup (HS 170211) into the United States, in addition to a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list, you may need to provide a statement of origin or other documentation to support claims of preferential treatment under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Furthermore, depending on the intended use and source of the lactose, specific declarations related to food safety or origin might be required by agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is advisable to consult with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or a licensed customs broker to ensure all necessary documentation is in order to avoid delays or penalties.